Gamescom 2026 has provided a glimpse into Remedy Entertainment's upcoming title, Control Resonant, with a hands-off preview detailing new gameplay mechanics and narrative elements. While the editorial team at Game Informer expressed eagerness for the game, the preview session itself did not allow for hands-on play, a factor that tempered some initial enthusiasm given the game's departure from the studio's previous work with its focus on melee action combat and RPG elements.
Control Resonant Gameplay Details
The preview showcased a new area within Control Resonant: a Manhattan park setting overtaken by a peculiar blue mold, complete with mold-based enemies. This environment is central to the introduction of "Resonants," the game's major boss types. Remedy confirmed that while the first and final bosses are fixed, players can tackle the Resonants encountered in between in any order. The immediate objective in the preview was to locate and consume mold to gather information about a specific Resonant.
Remedy described the mold as both "delicious" and difficult to resist, leading to characters being paralyzed in a euphoric state. During the journey to the mold, players will navigate areas like an FBC Field Content Research facility and utilize a gravity-shifting mechanic to traverse vertical surfaces. Standard mold enemies are present, serving as opportunities to farm "dominance," an effect that boosts damage after enemy takedowns. A larger, elephant-sized enemy resembling a garlic bulb was also shown, capable of firing mold mines and other projectiles. Remedy highlighted the Dual Blades' critical chance buff and the drill transformation of the Aberrant weapon for its Falter damage, a stagger mechanic. Enemies possess a Falter bar beneath their health, and filling it allows for an execution.
Further details revealed that there is no parry or block functionality, only a dodge, with perfect dodges offering a time-slowing bonus and extra damage. This design choice encourages aggressive play, with healing tied to defeating enemies who drop health-restoring orbs. Dialogue choices were also touched upon, with Remedy stating they will not alter the game's singular ending but can affect how NPCs perceive Dylan and influence the outcomes of certain side quests.
Boss Encounter and World Design
The preview culminated in an encounter with a Resonant known as the Collective, a large, mold-shaped entity with frowning faces. During this boss fight, direct damage to the Collective is not possible. Instead, players must target its tentacles attached to the arena walls, requiring the use of the gravity shift ability to walk on walls. The Collective attacks with mold projectiles and summons additional enemies. After all tentacles are destroyed, weak points on the boss become vulnerable, allowing for direct damage.
While the conclusion of the boss fight was not shown, the presentation of Remedy's twist on the "attack weak points" formula was noted. The game world is intended to feel inspired by real-world Manhattan but with Remedy's characteristic surreal interpretation, rather than featuring direct recreations of specific locations.
Control Resonant is scheduled for a digital release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on September 24. A physical release is planned for October, with a Mac version to follow at a later date.